Cancer Council Australia and the Australian Government have launched a new campaign for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to increase participation in bowel cancer screening across Australia.
The campaign, titled Bowel Cancer Waits for No One, encourages eligible Australians to complete their free at-home bowel cancer screening test.
Current participation in the program sits at 41.7 per cent. According to Cancer Council Australia, increasing participation to 60 per cent could save 84,000 lives by 2040.
Bowel cancer is Australia’s second-biggest cancer killer, but more than 90 per cent of cases can be treated successfully if detected early.
Focus on screening participation
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the campaign is designed to encourage more Australians to complete the screening test.
“The Albanese Government is funding this vital campaign because we know bowel cancer screening saves lives.
“Bowel cancer waits for no one – it is claiming the lives of 100 Australians per week.
“My message to Australians is simple: do not delay your bowel cancer screening test. It is a free, simple test that could potentially save your life.”
Cancer Council Australia CEO Jacinta Reddan said the campaign was informed by research into screening behaviour.
“We are proud to be working with the Australian Government again to roll out a new concept for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
“Research tells us that most Australians know the importance of screening for bowel cancer, but many still delay taking the test. People put it off, life gets in the way, or fear of what the result might show holds them back.
“Prioritising your health is the best thing you can do. If you’re aged 45-74, join the millions who have done the test – it could potentially save your life.”
National rollout
The campaign is running across television, radio, digital and social media.
It also includes tailored messaging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including Arabic, Mandarin and Vietnamese-speaking Australians, and people living in rural and remote areas.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides a free at-home test that detects blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer.
Australians aged 50 to 74 receive a free screening kit every two years. People aged 45 to 49 can request their first free kit through the National Cancer Screening Register.